Joyce E. Pannebecker, 83, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 18th in East Cocalico Township. Joyce was born in West Cocalico Township, the daughter of the late Clarence Pannebecker and Erla (Bard) Pannebecker.

She was a Cocalico High School graduate, who then pursued her RN degree from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Millersville University. She was employed at the Reading Hospital for 35 years. She was the head nurse for the psychiatric department and retired in 1998 as a Staff Development Instructor.

She traveled to every continent except for Antarctica with a group of fellow employees. She was always up for an adventure. She loved working in her gardens and every year they seemed to increase in size. She was also a life long member of Mellingers Lutheran Church.

Joyce’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted Aunt, who was like a second mother to her niece and nephews. She made sure to make every one of them feel special. She carried that devotion to her great nieces and great nephews.

As a longtime resident of West Cocalico Township, she is survived by a sister, Pauline Sawyer and a brother, Richard Pannebecker. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Amos Sawyer.

Services will be private to the family. Joyce's final resting place will be at Mellingers Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Mellingers Lutheran Church; 80 Gockley Rd, Stevens, PA 17578.